I’m calling this a “quick tip.”
But in truth it’s a massive, foundational idea for fundraising success:
The more good reasons you can give your donor to give a gift TODAY, the more likely she is to give a gift.
I’ve included a list of “good reasons” below.
But in a nutshell:
“Your help is needed today and here’s why”
Will raise more than…
“Our programs are making a difference – please give to help continue this good work.”
I know it might feel weird. But it works.
And remember, I’m talking about direct response fundraising here. That’s your letters, your newsletters, your emails. I’m not talking about grant proposals or conversations with Foundations. This idea can be helpful in those contexts, too, but it’s not as necessary for success.
Good Reasons to Give Now
Here’s a list of “reasons” that are proven to increase the chances that your donor will respond to your direct response fundraising:
- Any “multiplier” (like a matching grant)
- Any beneficiary that faces a need right now (this can be starting to be helped by your organization, or the next step in their process with you)
- A deadline
- A budget shortfall
- Any acute need like “14 new people will enter our shelter this month” or “There are 35 people on our waiting list”
It’s a learned behavior to begin to focus your fundraising on “reasons to give a gift today” instead of focusing your fundraising on your organization, your programs, your successes, etc.
To help you make the transition to this new way of thinking, here’s some evidence that this works from last week’s GivingTuesday.
I’ve been helping an organization add “reasons to give today” to all their fundraising. Here’s the report I received for how GivingTuesday went: “The team and I have really been trying to focus on the reasons to give NOW. Wonder where I learned that? We smashed through the goal, so I’m thrilled!”
For your next piece of fundraising – maybe your year-end emails?! – be sure to include reasons to give today. You’ll raise more money!
